Tough out-of-state opponents could poise Gibson Southern football for another strong year
FORT BRANCH, Ind. — There are plenty of high expectations that come with being a perennial contender in Southwestern Indiana.
The Gibson Southern football program has lived with those high standards for over a decade. The Titans haven't lost more than four games in a season during coach Nick Hart's 12-year tenure. They've completed five undefeated regular seasons, made four trips to semistate and won a Class 3A state championship in 2021.
Talks of the Titans having the potential to finish a season in Indianapolis seem to happen every August. This year is no different as they're favored to win the Pocket Athletic Conference Big School Division for a fourth consecutive season.
Gibson Southern has yet to lose a game in its division since conference realignment happened in 2020 because it's learned to block out the outside noise.
"Our schedule is going to help us balance that really quick," Hart said. "If we're looking anywhere past who we have Week 1, it's a big mistake by us. We just got to keep getting better every day."
Three of Gibson Southern's first four games won't be played in Indiana. Its first major test is the opener with three-time defending Kentucky state champion Boyle County at Western Kentucky University. It will go against another recent Kentucky state champion in Week 4 on the road against South Warren.
High school football: A look at the six best Week 1 games for SW Indiana teams
Playing multiple out-of-state games doesn't faze the Titans. They embrace these high-caliber showdowns. They hope they prepare them for whatever awaits them come the postseason.
"It's always exciting and there's always a little nerves," senior quarterback Tanner Boyd said. "Coach Hart always does a phenomenal job getting those out-of-state teams (on the schedule)."
Boyd had big shoes to fill last season following the departure of Indiana Mr. Football and current Louisville Cardinal Brady Allen. But Boyd made a name for himself as one of the area's most accurate quarterbacks. He completed 73% of his passes, threw for 1,485 yards and 17 touchdowns, and he added 446 yards and nine scores on the ground in nine games.
High school football: 75 players to watch across SW Indiana in 2023
He's been working on improving his deep passing ability throughout the offseason, but Hart knows Boyd is not the next Allen. He doesn't need to be.
"(Boyd) makes wonderful decisions (and) can make plays with his arms or his legs," Hart said. "He really brings a lot to us offensively. He's a decision-maker as an athlete and as a thrower."
"I think his running ability is going to be better," senior running back Sean DeLong added. "He's a super-tough kid, and I've never seen a better competitor in my entire life. No one competes like Tanner does."
DeLong, one of Gibson Southern's most-reliable playmakers, also hopes to elevate his game in his final year. He's stepping up as the Titans' primary back following the graduation of 1,300-yard rusher Devan Roberts. DeLong has 1,267 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in his career.
"I just want to do the best I can for the team to win games," he said. "Whatever position I play for Coach Hart, that's what I want to do."
Gibson Southern has the talent to succeed again, coming off a 24-2 mark over the last two years. But as the cliché goes, their only focus is on making a statement in Week 1.
"It's going to be a great experience for us," Boyd said. "We're all really excited. We've just got to prepare for them, and it's going to be a great game."
Courier & Press sports reporter Treasure Washington can be reached via her email, treasure.washington@courierpress.com, and on Twitter @Twashington490.
Gibson Southern Titans
Last year: 10-1 (5-0 PAC Big School Division)
Head coach: Nick Hart, 115-21 in 12th year at school
Key players to watch
Tanner Boyd (QB, Sr.), Sean DeLong (RB/DB, Sr.), Michael Herren (WR, Sr.), Brody Klem (DL, So.), Beau Rose (RB/LB, Jr.), Mason Scheller (DB, Sr.)
The Titans' three biggest games
Aug. 19 vs. Boyle County (Ky.) at Western Kentucky University: One of the biggest matchups in the Tri-State falls on opening weekend. Boyle County seeks to be the third program in Kentucky high school football history to win four-straight state championships.
Sept. 8 at South Warren (Ky.): This is the rubber match of the series. The Spartans dealt Gibson Southern its only loss of its state championship season and the Titans got revenge last year with a four-point victory.
Sept. 15 vs. Southridge: While it won't impact either divisional title race, this could be the Game of the Year for the PAC. The Titans have won nine of their 12 meetings with the Raiders during Hart's tenure.
Previously: North | Tecumseh | Jasper | Harrison | Boonville | Mater Dei | Heritage Hills | Bosse | North Posey | Vincennes Lincoln | Southridge | Memorial | Reitz | Central | Mount Vernon
Up next: Castle
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA football: Gibson Southern 2023 season preview
